Complete Gardening
The 1970s was a vibrant era for houseplants, where lush greenery became an essential part of home decor. Today, these retro favorites are making a comeback, bringing their unique charms and benefits to modern interiors.
From the bold and beautiful to the quirky and unusual, these houseplants not only add life to a room but also tell a story of a bygone era. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or a novice green thumb, these timeless classics are sure to enhance your living space.
1. Spider Plant
Imagine a plant with leaves that seem to dance, arching gracefully in all directions. This is the spider plant, known for its lively personality and ease of care. With its green and white striped foliage, it was the darling of the ’70s.
Many people adored its ability to purify air and thrive in various light conditions. This undemanding beauty can even produce ‘babies’ or plantlets, making it a hit among plant lovers.
Whether adorning a hanging basket or brightening up a desk, the spider plant continues to be a favorite today.
Its forgiving nature makes it perfect for beginners, while its retro vibe appeals to seasoned horticulturists.
2. Peace Lily
With leaves that shimmer like the surface of a tranquil pond, the peace lily offers a calm elegance. Its lush, dark foliage and striking white blooms bring a touch of sophistication to any space.
In the 1970s, these plants were cherished for their ability to improve indoor air quality. They thrive in low-light areas, making them ideal for any corner of the home.
Despite their delicate appearance, peace lilies are hardy and forgiving, requiring minimal maintenance. Their graceful presence continues to captivate plant enthusiasts, offering both beauty and function.
3. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Imagine the grandeur of a tree, contained within your living room. The fiddle leaf fig, with its oversized, glossy leaves, offers just that. A staple of 1970s decor, it added drama and height to interiors.
These trees thrive in bright, indirect light, rewarding caregivers with lush growth. While they can be finicky, the payoff of a healthy fiddle leaf fig is truly rewarding.
Today, this plant has reclaimed its status as a must-have accent piece, bridging the gap between vintage charm and modern aesthetics.
4. Monstera Deliciosa
The Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant for its unique leaf holes, brings a touch of the wild indoors. Its bold and dramatic leaves were a 1970s sensation, often found sprawling across the homes of plant aficionados.
These intriguing plants are easy to care for, thriving in various lighting conditions. Their ability to grow large and climb makes them a versatile addition to home decor.
Beyond aesthetics, they also offer air-purifying benefits. Monstera’s resurgence in popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and unique structural beauty.
5. Boston Fern
Boston ferns, with their feathery, arching fronds, evoke a sense of nostalgia. These elegant plants were often seen gracing the porches and living rooms of the ’70s, where their lush foliage added texture and life.
They thrive in humid environments with indirect light, making them perfect for bathrooms or shaded patios. A bit more demanding in care, they require regular misting to maintain their lush appearance.
Their revival today showcases a yearning for classic elegance and green sophistication in modern homes. Boston ferns remain a beloved classic, appreciated for their timeless beauty.
6. Rubber Plant
The rubber plant, with its robust, glossy leaves, became a symbol of strength and vitality in ’70s households. Its deep green foliage creates a rich, dramatic backdrop, perfect for any stylish interior.
This plant is relatively low-maintenance, thriving in bright, indirect sunlight and requiring occasional watering. Its easy-going nature and striking presence make it a favorite among both novice and experienced plant owners.
The rubber plant’s resurgence highlights its timeless appeal and the desire for bold greenery that can stand out in any room.
7. Snake Plant
Standing tall and proud, the snake plant’s sword-like leaves add a sleek touch to any room. Often called mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant was a ’70s staple for its air-purifying capabilities and ease of care.
It tolerates low light and infrequent watering, making it ideal for busy individuals or those new to plant care. The snake plant’s architectural form brings a modern edge to vintage decor, bridging the gap between retro and contemporary styles.
Today, its resilience and striking appearance continue to make it a popular choice in homes worldwide.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, with its healing properties and succulent nature, was a beloved fixture in ’70s homes. Known for its soothing gel, this plant was both decorative and functional.
Its thick, spiky leaves require minimal care, thriving in bright light and tolerating irregular watering. Aloe vera’s compact size makes it suitable for windowsills or small spaces, where it adds a touch of green and offers medicinal benefits.
Its resurgence in popularity today highlights the timeless appeal of plants that blend beauty with practicality, echoing a back-to-basics lifestyle.
9. Pothos
Like a gentle cascade of foliage, pothos plants brought life to the vertical spaces of the ’70s. Their variegated leaves provided a charming touch to shelves and hanging planters.
Pothos are renowned for their hardiness and adaptability, thriving in low-light conditions with minimal watering. Their trailing vines can grow impressively long, offering versatility in display.
Today, pothos remains a popular choice for plant enthusiasts seeking a fuss-free addition that offers both visual appeal and air-cleaning benefits. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ease of care and timeless charm.
10. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, with its glossy, dark green leaves, exudes an air of mystery and elegance. It was a subtle yet striking addition to 1970s interiors, complementing both minimalist and eclectic styles.
This plant is celebrated for its low maintenance, thriving in low light and requiring infrequent watering. Its unique, upward growth pattern adds a modern twist to its vintage appeal.
Today, the ZZ plant’s resilience and beauty make it a preferred choice for those seeking hassle-free greenery that still makes a statement.
11. Philodendron
Philodendrons, with their heart-shaped leaves, brought a sense of warmth and comfort to ’70s homes. Their lush foliage and easy-care nature made them a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
These plants are adaptable, thriving in various lighting conditions and requiring minimal attention. Their trailing vines add a dynamic element to any space, making them suitable for shelves or hanging displays.
The philodendron’s continued popularity speaks to its versatile beauty and the nostalgic charm it brings to modern interiors.
12. Dracaena
Dracaenas, with their vibrant, sword-like leaves, were a lively addition to ’70s interiors. They brought a touch of the exotic to homes, with their striking foliage and upright growth.
These plants are forgiving in care, thriving in low to medium light and needing only occasional watering. Their bold appearance and air-purifying qualities make them a valuable addition to any room.
In modern homes, dracaenas continue to be appreciated for their sculptural beauty and easy-going nature, bridging the gap between vintage style and contemporary design.
13. Umbrella Plant
The umbrella plant, with its unique circular leaf arrangement, added a playful touch to 1970s homes. Its glossy, bright leaves were a vibrant addition to sunny spaces.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering to maintain its lush appearance. Its cheerful, umbrella-like form brings a sense of whimsy to any room.
Today, the umbrella plant’s playful charm and easy care continue to make it a delightful choice for plant lovers seeking a joyful, retro-inspired addition.
14. Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, the cast iron plant is known for its resilience. Its long, dark green leaves brought a touch of understated elegance to ’70s interiors, thriving in even the darkest corners.
This plant requires minimal care, tolerating low light and infrequent watering. Its hardy nature made it a favorite for those seeking a durable yet visually appealing houseplant.
In today’s homes, the cast iron plant’s robustness and classic allure continue to make it a beloved choice for those who appreciate low-maintenance beauty.
15. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen, with its beautifully variegated foliage, was a staple in 1970s decor. Its subtly patterned leaves added depth and interest to indoor spaces.
This plant is prized for its adaptability, thriving in low to medium light and requiring minimal watering. Its attractive foliage and air-purifying qualities make it a practical and decorative choice.
Today, the Chinese evergreen’s enduring appeal is evident as it continues to grace modern interiors with its timeless beauty and ease of care.